Saturday, August 29, 2009

Internet companies and civil liberties groups were alarmed this spring when a U.S. Senate bill proposed handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.

They're not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft of S.773 (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency.

The new version would allow the president to "declare a cybersecurity emergency" relating to "non-governmental" computer networks and do what's necessary to respond to the threat. Other sections of the proposal include a federal certification program for "cybersecurity professionals," and a requirement that certain computer systems and networks in the private sector be managed by people who have been awarded that license.

"I think the redraft, while improved, remains troubling due to its vagueness," said Larry Clinton, president of the Internet Security Alliance, which counts representatives of Verizon, Verisign, Nortel, and Carnegie Mellon University on its board. "It is unclear what authority Sen. Rockefeller thinks is necessary over the private sector. Unless this is clarified, we cannot properly analyze, let alone support the bill."Read the rest HERE

Video evidence of drug dealers caught in the act, obtained during a months-long undercover crackdown on Berlin's open-air drug dealing, has been lost by law enforcement.

Worcester County State's Attorney Joel Todd said members of the county's Narcotics Task Force lost or recorded over video evidence from two drug deals. The footage, shot from inside an undercover police car, would have clearly identified two suspects in the sting.

"Those tapes, they don't exist anymore," Todd said at a community meeting for his Take Pride in Berlin program, an initiative to rid the community of drug dealing. "There was an error committed, and that's affecting the prosecution of those two people."

He called it "a police issue."

Eleven suspects were videotaped selling drugs to undercover Maryland State Police troopers or Ocean City police officers between February and May. Two of those men did not have criminal records and, after being confronted by a room full of disapproving people, were not prosecuted after a promise that they'd clean up their act.

The remaining nine suspects all had prior criminal records of drug dealing. Todd said seven of them have since been tracked down and arrested based on the video evidence against them, leaving the two men from the missing tapes outstanding. Nobody answered the phone to comment at the Snow Hill offices of the Worcester County Narcotics Task Force on Thursday.

Modeled after a successful 2004 program in High Point, N.C., the Berlin program tackled the drug-dealing hot spot of Bay Street at Flower Street. Todd said he'll continue running the program, which is funded by seized drug money, in Pocomoke City and Snow Hill.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said the residents of east Berlin have lived with drug dealing for many years, and many have told him that they're ready to stand up against it.

"If you're planting in the fall and winter, you're not going to get crops," he said. "For the kinds of issues we've got, it's finally spring. We have to move now."

Todd said they've already seen results from the crackdown in east Berlin as more dogs are out being walked and more moms take their babies out in strollers.

"I believe we've already turned a corner in wiping out the drug market," he said. "The test isn't if we wiped it out now, but next year and the year after that. I like to think it's a sign of things to come ... that you can't buy drugs in Berlin anymore."

At the meeting, 66-year-old Berlin resident William Nick credited the effort.

"The drug dealing is down 90 percent," he told Todd. "We've definitely made progress."

Bob Dylan's Christmas album to benefit charity

By Alex Dobuzinskis

LOS ANGELES – Rock icon Bob Dylan will sing the old yuletide standards "Winter Wonderland" and "Little Drummer Boy" on his first ever Christmas album, with royalties going to charity, his record label said on Wednesday.

Dylan's "Christmas in the Heart" album is due out on October 13, nearly six months after the release of his last studio album, "Together Through Life," which topped the charts.

Speculation about the Christmas album began surfacing a few months ago, but were initially met with disbelief by some Dylan aficionados, as the singer was not known to record Christmas songs, and his latest albums have featured original material.

Dylan will donate all his U.S. royalties from album sales to the charity group Feeding America, and in a statement he said he hopes it brings "food security to people in need."

Feeding America said it expects to provide meals to 1.4 million people this holiday season with the album proceeds.

Columbia said Dylan plans to donate his international royalties to two charity organizations that give meals to needy people in Britain and the developing world. But details on that partnership are still being worked out.

"Christmas in the Heart" is Dylan's 47th album, and it will include songs like "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Winter Wonderland," "Little Drummer Boy" and "Must Be Santa," said his longtime label, Columbia Records.

Dylan, 68, recently finished a concert tour of minor league ballparks. The singer behind the songs "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," received a Pulitzer Prize last year for his influence on music and culture.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

TheAmerican Medical Associationhas weighed in on the new Obama health care proposals..

The Allergists voted to scratch it, but theDermatologistsadvised not to make any rash moves. The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.

The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception. Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted. Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while thePediatricianssaid, "Oh, Grow up!"

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it. Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and thePlastic Surgeonssaid, "This puts a whole new face on the matter...."

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but theUrologistswere pissed off at the whole idea. The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and theCardiologistsdidn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Washington.

A homeless man caught fire after U.S. police shocked him with a Taser gun, it has been revealed.

Daniel Wood, 31, was allegedly sniffing gas from an aerosol can as he ran through traffic when he was chased by two officers in Lancaster, Ohio. One officer caught Wood and got him on the ground, where Wood continued to resist, according to the police report.

Another officer shouted a warning, then zapped Wood with the Taser, the report said. Wood immediately burst into flames that covered his torso. The officers were forced to drop their weapons and beat out the flames. Wood said: ‘My complete right half of my upper body is burned. ‘I have bandages from my wrist all the way up my arm and across my chest.’

He admitted he had been inhaling vapours from a chemical cleaner in an attempt to get ‘high’. Wood had been resisting arrest by attempting to bite the officers and lashing out with his feet.

I know we are headed in this direction faster than a frozen turd down a snot covered slide. I just wish the left would wake-up and open their eyes.. The libs that have the slightest bit of sense are coming around slowly and the center/moderates are voicing their disgust and the polls show it.

This transaction below will be part of our everyday lives in a year if these fruit-loops in the white house continue achieving their warped agenda.

A Moonbattery reader has become pen pals with Jeremy Bird, the skeevy Obamunist apparatchik who was profiled Monday for his astroturfing activities.

Not content to report her own thought crimes at Comrade Obama's snitch site, Heather M went undercover and volunteered to become an online brownshirt in the cause of healthcare nazification. Soon she received the following email from the DNC's Organizing for America:

Friend — Thank you for talking to your neighbors about health care. The conversations you are having are important in the debate about reforming our health care system. We noticed that you haven't reported what you learned while talking to your neighbors. There are only three days left before your list will be returned and given to someone else, and we want to ensure we receive the results of all of your hard work. To report back to us, just go to your Neighbor to Neighbor dashboard and click "Report Contacts." Then, just click on each person to let us know what they said. If you have any questions, you can reach us at 1-866-495-2004. Thank you for all of your hard work. Your help is essential if we are going to get real health care reform passed by the end of the year.

Thank you,Jeremy BirdDeputy DirectorOrganizing for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee — 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Unfortunately, Obama et al. get no points for creativity. Recruiting snitches to report on what their neighbors say in private conversations is a favorite technique of the communist regime repressing Cuba.

Dear Mr. President,In reading the news today I stumbled upon another action you have taken on "behalf of the American people".

The fact that you want to change September 11 from a day of remembering into a day of "do something" is quite sickening. What is it about America and the things that America hold dear that you so disapprove of? What's next? Will you try to change Memorial Day? Fourth of July?

Mr. President, the day of 9/11 took a toll not only on this country but on the many people that lost their loved ones. Since the bombing of the World Trade Center the people of America have done a wonderful job at keeping the memory of this horrible day alive. And it needs to be kept alive so that it never ever happens again.

You sir, seem to think Americans can just forget and go on. Some can and some can't and some just don't want to. Stop trying to change it. The day is as "productive " as we want it to be. It isn't always about what you want. September 11 will always be "the day of fear". Got that? Always. Forever. When Americans want to change it we will. And in case you didn't notice and don't read anything except what is written about you on that blackberry, Americans are doing positive things, one by one, little by little, to ease the pain.

Pain. That's the key word. Americans are moving slow on easing the pain of this horrible day! Were you under a rock at that time?

You need a National Day of Service on the anniversary of 9/11? That's unpatriotic and unforgiving. Gee, what happened to the other days of the year?

Here is just a sentence from an article I read concerning the changes you have made.

They think it needs to be taken back from the right," said the source. "They're taking that day and they're breaking it because it gives Republicans an advantage. To them, that day is a fearful day."

I am a republican. I will always be a republican. What I resent is the expression of "taking the day and breaking it because".......... Your move to twist this day into something else it should not be makes me sick and I am sure I am not alone.

September 11 is not about you and it isn't about any of your left-winged groups. And you go right ahead and forgive those people that harmed MY America. You and that so-called Rev. Yearwood and all of your hate America groups can celebrate your National Day of Service. But just remember one thing.................history has already been written. The history about this day is deep and it is detailed with many pictures to prove it. When it is read in history classes children will learn how horrible America and the world felt.

Believe me, Mr. President, when I say that when Americans want change we will let you know.

The Obama White House is behind a cynical, coldly calculated political effort to erase the meaning of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks from the American psyche and convert Sept. 11 into a day of leftist celebration and statist idolatry.

This effort to reshape the American psyche has nothing to do with healing the nation and everything to do with easing the nation along in the ongoing radical transformation of America that President Obama promised during last year's election campaign. The president signed into law a measure in April that designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service, but it's not likely many lawmakers thought this meant that day was going to be turned into a celebration of ethanol, carbon emission controls, and radical community organizing.

The administration's plans were outlined in an Aug. 11 White House-sponsored teleconference call run by Obama ally Lennox Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus, and Liv Havstad, the group's senior vice president of strategic partnerships and programs.

Yearwood, who uses the honorific "Reverend" before his name, has been in the news in recent years, usually for getting arrested. After Democrats took back Congress, the rowdy activist was handcuffed outside a congressional hearing in September 2007 when Gen. David Petraeus was to testify. Yearwood told the "Democracy Now" radio program that he wanted to attend the hearing to hear Petraeus give his report. "I knew that when officers lie, soldiers die," he said.

On the Aug. 11 call, Yearwood and other leaders kept saying repeatedly that they wanted 9/11 to be used for something "positive," "forward-leaning," and "productive," said a source with knowledge of the teleconference.

The plan is to turn a "day of fear" that helps Republicans into a day of activism called the National Day of Service that helps the left. In other words, nihilistic liberals are planning to drain 9/11 of all meaning.

"They think it needs to be taken back from the right," said the source. "They're taking that day and they're breaking it because it gives Republicans an advantage. To them, that day is a fearful day."

A coalition including the unsavory left-wing pressure group Color of Change and about 60 far-left, environmentalist, labor, and corporate shakedown groups participated in the call. Groups on the call included: ACORN, AFL-CIO, Apollo Alliance, Community Action Partnership, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, 80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs, Friends of the Earth, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Mobilize.org, National Black Police Association, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, National Wildlife Federation, RainbowPUSH Coalition, Urban League, and Young Democrats of America.

Color of Change is the extremist racial grievance group that isn't happy that TV's Glenn Beck did several news packages on Van Jones, the self-described "communist" and "rowdy black nationalist" who became the president's green jobs czar after jumping on the environmentalist bandwagon. The White House may be behind a push to destroy Beck by convincing advertisers to stop buying time on his show. Jones was also on the board of the Apollo Alliance, a hard-left environmentalist group that is now running large chunks of the Obama administration. The group has acknowledged that it dictated parts of the February stimulus bill to Congress.

With the help of the Obama administration, the coalition is launching a public relations campaign under the radar of the mainstream media -- which remains almost uniformly terrified of criticizing the nation's first black president -- to try to change 9/11 from a day of reflection and remembrance to a day of activism, food banks, and community gardens.

"The organizing term is to 'go dark.' You don't tell the press, don't tell people you think will tell the press," said the source.

Of course, the annual commemoration of the 2001 terrorist attacks belongs to the entire nation, but President Obama and the activist left don't see it that way. They view the nationwide remembrance of the murder of 3,000 Americans by Islamic totalitarians as an obstacle to winning over the hearts and minds of the American people.

"When you criticize them, they are prepared to say, 'Did you want 9/11 to be another day of selling mattresses, like Presidents Day?" the source said. "They are truly trying to change the American mindset."

They view Sept. 11 as a "Republican" day because it focuses the public on supposedly "Republican" issues like patriotism, national security, and terrorism. According to liberals, 9/11 was long ago hijacked by Republicans and their enablers and unfairly used to bludgeon helpless Democrats at election time.

MSNBC's foremost left-wing bloviator, Keith Olbermann, summed up this ugly perspective the week after the Republican Party convention last year:

Mass. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at age 77

BOSTON — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving brother in a political dynasty and one of the most influential senators in history, died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77.

In nearly 50 years in the Senate, Kennedy served alongside 10 presidents — his brother John Fitzgerald Kennedy among them — compiling an impressive list of legislative achievements on health care, civil rights, education, immigration and more.

His only run for the White House ended in defeat in 1980. More than a quarter-century later, he handed then-Sen. Barack Obama an endorsement at a critical point in the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, explicitly likening the young contender to President Kennedy.

To the American public, Kennedy was best known as the last surviving son of America's most glamorous political family, father figure and, memorably, eulogist of an Irish-American clan plagued again and again by tragedy.

Kennedy's death triggered an outpouring of superlatives, from Democrats and Republicans as well as foreign leaders.

"An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time," Obama said in a written statement.

"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts," said Obama, vacationing at Martha's Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast.

Kennedy's family announced his death in a brief statement released early Wednesday.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I don't post much about Salisbury, they have well enough blogs and sources but I feel as this needs as much attention as it can get.

It looks as though Pocomoke is not alone in it's mishandling of city politics and stifling citizens when they want to speak-out.

Here recently we seeFrank White using the Princess Anne credit card like it's raining Franklins, while he eats continually at Outback steak house and parties in OC then buys a WII fit to erm? work it off?

Watch the short clip on the Video below of Mondays Salisbury City council meeting, the lady that is about to speak is Ann Von Forthuber, about 1 year ago she was awoken in her home by an intruder holding a sharp object to her throat. As to date no one has been apprehended for the B&E and assault of Ann Von Forthuber and she has been relentless in trying to bring justice to her case.

I have been watching the Salisbury city council meetings on pac 14 for quite some time now and I have seen many, many people that did not give their physical address as you will learn by watching the video what transpired from there.

If you notice even the gentleman that spoke previously too Ann speaking didn't give his physical address, he simply said "Salisbury" and Ms Smith let the commentary continue.

Now I don't live in Salisbury so I don't "have a dog in this fight" either way, but what Ms Smith did was wrong, and what I believe may be illegal, on top of that it looks as though Ms Smith resigned herself from her chair as she just walked out of the meeting without do cause or a motion to adjourn with second and third motions.

Ms Smith should resign at this point as she is clearly a liability to the city. Our right to free speech is nothing to 'walk away' from as Ms Smith did at the Salisbury council meeting Monday.

It's obvious that Ms Smith has resentment against Ann Von Forthuber for whatever reason(s).. maybe because Von Forthuber is making noise about her case involving the B&E, regardless, Ms Smith's personal issues have no place at the City's table.

I do not know the reputation of any of these people and I do not have an agenda, but what I do see here is an abuse of political power that needs to be addressed.

HAVANA (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is trying to make positive changes in the United States, but is being fought at every turn by right-wingers who hate him because he is black, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday.

In an unusually conciliatory column in the state-run media, Castro said Obama had inherited many problems from his predecessor, George W. Bush, and was trying to resolve them. But the "powerful extreme right won't be happy with anything that diminishes their prerogatives in the slightest way."

Obama does not want to change the U.S. political and economic system, but "in spite of that, the extreme right hates him for being African-American and fights what the president does to improve the deteriorated image of that country," Castro wrote.

"I don't have the slightest doubt that the racist right will do everything possible to wear him down, blocking his program to get him out of the game one way or another, at the least political cost," he said.

Castro, who writes regular commentaries for Cuba's state-run media, has criticized Obama, complimented him occasionally and said that he is watching him closely to see if he means what he says about changing U.S. policy toward Cuba.

His latest column comes during a visit to Cuba by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson that has stirred speculation that he may try to push U.S.-Cuba relations forward.

Richardson has been a diplomatic trouble-shooter in nations with which the United States has poor relations. In 1996 he negotiated with Castro for the release of three Cuban political prisoners.

Obama has said he wants to end 50 years of hostilities between the United States and Cuba and has eased the long-standing U.S. trade embargo against the communist-led island.

But he has said the embargo will be lifted only if Cuba shows progress on political prisoners and human rights. Cuban President Raul Castro has said he is happy to discuss these issues but will make no unilateral concessions.

Obama has been criticized by anti-embargo groups for moving too slowly on Cuban policy.

Castro, 83, ran Cuba for 49 years after taking power in a 1959 revolution, but stepped down last year so Raul Castro, his younger brother, could succeed him.

He has not been seen in public since undergoing intestinal surgery in July 2006, but still plays a behind-the-scenes role in government and maintains a high profile through his writings.

He appeared on Cuban television on Sunday for the first time in 14 months meeting with Venezuelan students.

He seemed in good health as he smiled and talked with the students in an appearance some experts believe was aimed at shoring up support for his brother and the government at a time when Cuba is in deep economic crisis.

Christine Marie Sheddy arrived at the Farmhouse the evening of November 2nd. She was murdered there during a party on November 12, 2007. The following is a chronicle of what happened in between.

November 2

After days of myspace messages reflecting a serious breakup between Levi and Christine and the ensuing argument with her Mom, Christine packs up and makes arrangements for Q and the boys to meet Jr. and Tia. Q met them in the parking lot of the Milford, DE WalMart. It is believed they drove that far to meet her there because Christine had no idea how to give Q directions, approximately a 1.5 hour drive.

November 4

Levi is still looking for Christine. Christine tells Q she is rounding up tin at Jr and Tia request to sell for cash.

Special session scheduled

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Newport News City Council has begun the process to remove its current city manager, Randy Hildebrandt.

Hildebrandt is expected to speak publicly for the first time since council members voted to remove him on August 11.

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank and City Council debated Hildebrandt's future during a two hour, closed-door session shortly before noon on Monday.

"It was a difficult decision for everyone," said Frank. "I think people really did agonize over it."

Council decided it was time for a change. They began the process to remove Hildebrandt from the position he's held since 2006.

"Frankly, I think that he has served the city very well, but at the end of that discussion was the fact that the majority of City Council needs to feel comfortable working with whoever their City Manager is," added Frank.

Several council members weren't happy with Hildebrandt's performance. WAVY.com obtained a copy of the notice council gave to Hildebrandt . In it they say they weren't satisfied with his overall managerial style and he didn't share the focus of the majority. Some even say they lost confidence in his ability to serve.

"They recognize the many contributions he made to the community, but at the same time they felt it was time for a new vision and new leadership," said Frank.

The council was spilt on the decision: Four votes for his removal and three against. Those who wanted to see him go had nothing to say to WAVY.com.

Hildebrant has been placed on administrative leave. WAVY.com has learned Deputy City Manager Neil Morgan will take over until the city finds a permanent replacement.

Hildebrandt did not make a public statement but sent this letter to his fellow city workers thanking them for their service:

Dear Fellow Employees:

Now that the City Council has given me formal notice of their intent to dismiss me as City Manager, it is apparent that my 31-year tenure with our City government is about to come to a close. With this in mind, I want to take this last opportunity to thank all of you for the excellent work you do in serving this community. I am proud of what we have accomplished in the three-and-a-half years that I have served as your City Manager. I do believe we have been successful in making this an organization which is recognized for its "commitment, caring and collaboration." We have faced and overcome some difficult challenges due to the economy and I am optimistic that the worst is now behind us.

I am especially pleased with the progress that has been made in changing the culture of our organization through WINN. While this change may not yet be apparent to everyone and there is much more to be done, we have made a very good start. I urge each of you to stay focused on our vision and values because this is what will make this City government special and allows you to serve our citizens and customers in the best possible way.

While I regret that I will not be here longer to lead this change, I will be watching from the sideline with great interest as the organization continues this journey. I sincerely appreciate all of the kindness and support you have provided to me over the years. While I have not had the opportunity to know or even meet all of you, I have the utmost respect and admiration for your commitment to making Newport News the very best place it can be.

Yours truly,

Randy W. Hildebrandt

Hildebrandt will have a hearing August 25, where he will have a chance to address the City Council.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of older people face shrinking Social Security checks next year, the first time in a generation that payments would not rise.

The trustees who oversee Social Security are projecting there won't be a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the next two years. That hasn't happened since automatic increases were adopted in 1975.

By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down. Nevertheless, monthly payments would drop for millions of people in the Medicare prescription drug program because the premiums, which often are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to go up slightly.

"I will promise you, they count on that COLA," said Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "To some people, it might not be a big deal. But to seniors, especially with their health care costs, it is a big deal."

Cost of living adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels.

Advocates say older people still face higher prices because they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on health care, where costs rise faster than inflation. Many also have suffered from declining home values and shrinking stock portfolios just as they are relying on those assets for income.

"For many elderly, they don't feel that inflation is low because their expenses are still going up," said David Certner, legislative policy director for AARP. "Anyone who has savings and investments has seen some serious losses."

About 50 million retired and disabled Americans receive Social Security benefits. The average monthly benefit for retirees is $1,153 this year. All beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent increase in January, the largest since 1982.

More than 32 million people are in the Medicare prescription drug program. Average monthly premiums are set to go from $28 this year to $30 next year, though they vary by plan. About 6 million people in the program have premiums deducted from their monthly Social Security payments, according to the Social Security Administration.

Millions of people with Medicare Part B coverage for doctors' visits also have their premiums deducted from Social Security payments. Part B premiums are expected to rise as well. But under the law, the increase cannot be larger than the increase in Social Security benefits for most recipients.

There is no such hold-harmless provision for drug premiums.

Kennelly's group wants Congress to increase Social Security benefits next year, even though the formula doesn't call for it. She would like to see either a 1 percent increase in monthly payments or a one-time payment of $150.

The cost of a one-time payment, a little less than $8 billion, could be covered by increasing the amount of income subjected to Social Security taxes, Kennelly said. Workers only pay Social Security taxes on the first $106,800 of income, a limit that rises each year with the average national wage.

But the limit only increases if monthly benefits increase.

Critics argue that Social Security recipients shouldn't get an increase when inflation is negative. They note that recipients got a big increase in January — after energy prices had started to fall. They also note that Social Security recipients received one-time $250 payments in the spring as part of the government's economic stimulus package.

Consumer prices are down from 2008 levels, giving Social Security recipients more purchasing power, even if their benefits stay the same, said Andrew G. Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank.

"Seniors may perceive that they are being hurt because there is no COLA, but they are in fact not getting hurt," Biggs said. "Congress has to be able to tell people they are not getting everything they want."

Social Security is also facing long-term financial problems. The retirement program is projected to start paying out more money than it receives in 2016. Without changes, the retirement fund will be depleted in 2037, according to the Social Security trustees' annual report this year.

President Barack Obama has said he would like to tackle Social Security next year, after Congress finishes work on health care, climate change and new financial regulations.

Lawmakers are preoccupied by health care, making it difficult to address other tough issues. Advocates for older people hope their efforts will get a boost in October, when the Social Security Administration officially announces that there will not be an increase in benefits next year.

"I think a lot of seniors do not know what's coming down the pike, and I believe that when they hear that, they're going to be upset," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who is working on a proposal for one-time payments for Social Security recipients.

"It is my view that seniors are going to need help this year, and it would not be acceptable for Congress to simply turn its back," he said.

If Washington would stop worry about putting food into the mouths of people in other countries America might be able to take care of these retired adults. And if they would stop giving aid to those crossing our borders there might be money for an increase. As usual, the government just can't run anything and keep in functioning for long periods of time. For most retired seniors it is all they have to look forward to and all they have to spend......Though never intended to be an only source of income for the retired they were duped into believing it was until a few years ago.........when most had already believed they could trust it. Doesn't the government plan ahead? Do they honestly think taxpayers can keep pulling money for taxes out of their a*****? Stop spending so much money overseas to care for others and take care of the wonderful Americans we have here!! They, like the veterans of America deserve SO MUCH MORE. They aren't getting the care they need and deserve.

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